Daniel Ogunmodede And His “Nearly Boys” Of Ikenne

For some time now, I have held myself from writing this article. In my heart, it felt like this was ‘too harsh’ a piece to write about Remo Stars considering the good work they have done in the last couple of years. But when Beyond Limits won the Nigeria National League on Thursday, my head won the battle against my heart.

Since their third promotion to the top flight in 2021, the Sky Blue Stars have taken giant strides. Daniel Ogunmodede and his men have played some exciting brand of football and gained many followers. They have finished third and second consecutively in the league and earned the right to represent Nigeria on the continent.

But a glance at their Wikipedia article and the hard reality screams at you – they are yet to win anything!

Remo Can’t Get Over The Line?

Remo Stars have faltered again in their push for an elusive league title after Rangers International won it on Sunday.

Daniel Ogunmodede and his boys would have at least taken the fight to the final day with a win in Akure against Sunshine Stars but instead, it’s their continental hopes that hang in the balance after a 2-1 defeat.

Another disappointing end to what could have been a historic season, but it’s not the first time they’ve been here. Ogunmodede and his men have always come close but never seem to be able to cross the finish line.

In 2015 Remo Stars defeated Gateway FC on penalties to win the Ogun State FA Cup. That was the club’s first piece of competitive silverware, five years after its formation.

That title was supposed to be the start of something big. It was Remo’s cue for local domination(in Ogun State) and a base to set off on the national scene.

Although they have achieved some success, they have not lifted another competitive trophy in the 9 years since.

Daniel Ogunmodede: All The Near Misses In The NPFL

There have been three promotions from the second division but none as champion, something their affiliate team has managed at the first attempt.

In July 2022, they had a shot at winning another State FA Cup but instead, they chose to protest against the poor organization and officiating with their penalties in the shoot-out. Ijebu United won the trophy.

@OgaNlaMedia @PoojaMedia @IbkSports , I would love you to take a look at the video , ogun state FA cup between Remo and Ijebu United , even if Remo collect bribe , why would a player decide to play penalty this way #OgunStateFaCup pic.twitter.com/IIygWXciVc

— Babajide Jegede (@LFCinnigeria) July 14, 2022

Two months later, they got knocked out in the first preliminary round on their CAF Confederations Cup debut. A 1-0 loss to FAR Rabat in Ikenne ended their run despite an impressive 1-1 draw in Morocco.

Just under a year after that heartbreak, they had another shot on the continent, this time in the Champions League. Ghanaian champions, Medeama was the opposition this time. After a 1-1 aggregate draw, Remo lost 3-2 on penalties in front of their fans.

This latest setback happened two months after they had lost the NPFL title to Enyimba on goal difference. Remo had gone unbeaten in the championship playoffs, winning two and drawing three of their five games but once again they couldn’t get over the line.

All the nearly moments made winning the league this season a top priority for the Sky Blue Stars. Coach Dan didn’t play it safe and told us from the off that was the target for the season. But, on Sunday, that goal became mathematically impossible when they lost in Akure and Rangers beat Bendel Insurance.

Ahead, Ahead…

The season could yet end on a high with a continental ticket, but ultimately it is another year gone by that Remo Stars have failed to win a trophy.

????The standard at Remo Stars has been set so high that their fans demand they win the league.

From 3rd to 2nd, year on year, they wanted a league title this year but the club fall short yet again and can only get at best a CAF Champions League slot.

Thought they gave their… pic.twitter.com/mIQimHUOjq

— MikeThePundit (@Mike_ThePundit) June 16, 2024

Ijaball might have won our hearts with his style, but his team is yet to win anything on the pitch. By contrast, their affiliate team has built mentality monsters who don’t know their limits in the same complex.

This team is no longer ‘too young’ or still learning the ropes of the league. Rangers have won the title under a new management and with a new coach after battling relegation last season.

Remo Stars and Daniel Ogunmodede must push themselves, starting with qualification to the group stages if they qualify to play on the continent. They need to start winning!